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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Pair of American Brass Nautical Taffrail Log Spinners, Negus, NY, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass nautical taffrail log spinners, Late 19th century. Stamped by brothers Thomas Shufeldt Negus, Jr. (1828-1894) & John Davidson Negus (1833-1890) manufacturers and merchants of chronometers and other fine marine instruments...
Category

1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century Human Anatomical Leg Model, By Bock Steger, Leipzig c.1890
By Bock Steger
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century life-sized plaster model of a human leg, attributed to Bock Steger, Leipzig. Made for medical instruction, it displays muscle, tendon, and bone in detail. Number...
Category

20th Century German Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table A very rare piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table A very rare piece, the carrying box originally held many pieces of the surveyor’s equipment, t...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in Blue Glazed ceramic.
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ceramic

Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A ubiquitous classic in the home or the market, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weig...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Prosthetic Foot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage authentic prosthetic foot. Interesting piece of medical history. Great vintage condition.
Category

1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber

Vintage Prosthetic Foot
Vintage Prosthetic Foot
$375 Sale Price
46% Off
Tripod Apothecary Skillet from the 18th Century England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
18th Century tripod Apothecary skillet From England. The skillet is in superb condition and has not undergone any restorations. Bronze with a very beautiful patina.
Category

Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Box Wood and Iron Paper Guillotine
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine  Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Boxwood

Anatomical Eye Model by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Anatomical, composition, organ model of the eye by New York Scientific Co., Inc disassembles into six pieces deconstructing the eye and its nerves. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition

A set of English Floor Scales by G, H. James, Bath
Located in Southampton, GB
A set of English Floor Scales by G.H. James, Bath, manufactured and " restored ". Works perfectly. A great addition for a hotel to weigh luggage or a bathroom interior. Original crea...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Pair of French Walnut Clocks & Barometers
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French (Mid-19th Century) clock and barometer inset into carved walnut pendant frames. Crowned bearded male heads with decorative swags, scrolls, and floral wreaths. (PRICED ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Barigo Germany barometer fine design in years '70
Located in Biella, IT
Barigo Germany rare barometer design in years '70 with old label of the price in disappeared italian coin "lire" very elegant and fine design for this interesting object
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th century butchers steelyard for weighing scale. A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustm...
Category

Early 19th Century Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Spanish, Bronze Balance Scale with Green Painted Wooden Stand
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish bronze balance scale with green painted wooden stand.
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young
Located in Norwich, GB
Oxidised surveyors level by Reid and Young Mounted on a circular base with threaded aperture or tripod mounting with four holding rings. Thirteen an...
Category

1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut wall mounted thermometer/ barometer with strap-work cartouche hung with an elaborate carved hunting trophy.
Category

19th Century German Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Apothecary precision scale, travelling set, France 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Precision travel scale, pharmaceutical use. The box is made of oak wood. The scale can be completely disassembled and positioned inside the drawer. A lever allows you to lift the pla...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Scientific Tool for the Refraction of Light, Italy 1920
Located in Milan, IT
Scientific tool for demonstrating and assessing the refraction of light. Constructed in boxed metal with a square section, it consists of a horizontal...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Gorgeous Edwardian Inlaid Barometer by George Odell
Located in Dublin, IE
A gorgeous quality Edwardian inlaid mahogany barometer by George Odell, with beautiful marquetry detail of fan and shell motifs.
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany, Glass

A pharmacy mushroom model: Phallus Impudicus, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Phallum Impudicus mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Terrestrial globe published by Ernst Schotte & co, Germany 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe in watercolored paper, fixed with an inclined axis through a small brass arm, mounted on a black turned fruit wood base. Published by Ernst Schotte & Co. Berlin, Ge...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Mid-Century Modern Didactic Resin Anatomical Model Jaw
Located in Weesp, NL
Big 1960s anatomical jaw teaching model in perfect condition. This beautiful resin jaw can be taken apart as shown in the images. It was made in the 1960s by Rudiger Anatomie in Berl...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, England 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. England early 19th century.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

1960s Tesla Speaker Ars450, Czechoslovakia
Located in Zohor, SK
Unique and original item. A speaker used in villages as a part of a local radio in Czechoslovakia. this piece in marked as Tesla ARS 450, 25W. We were no...
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Nudy Lady Thermometer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Celluloid nude lady Art Deco thermometer.
Category

20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Ancient anatomical model of a flayed hand, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a flayed hand. Made of plaster, in excellent condition and with original patina. Anatomical study use. Italy circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Ancient plaster anatomical model of a flayed foot, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a flayed foot. Made of plaster, in excellent condition and with original patina. Anatomical study use. Italy circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Large Silvered Bronze Armillary Sphere – 1950s AND 115 C
Located in Madrid, ES
This impressive, large armillary sphere from the 1950s is a beautiful representation of celestial design, crafted from silvered bronze with intricate hand-engraved zodiac symbols. St...
Category

1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Lithographic Print on Paper, Depicting the Male Genital System, France 1850 Ca
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical lithographic print on paper, depicting the male genital system. Black lacquered fir wood frame with golden ramin wood batting. N. H. Jacob, Pari...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

3-D Gastro Intestinal Model by CENCO
By Central Scientific Company
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage 1960's medical office or classroom model diagram of the anatomy of the human G-I system. Wall plaque in hand painted plaster relief. Element...
Category

1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Antique Indonesian Mechanical Drill, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Long ago, an Indonesian artisan living on Lombok, an island well known for its weaving, made his living using this handsome hand-crafted drill. The antique tool is beautifully constr...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Iron

20th Century French Wooden Floor Abacus
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden abacus created in 20th century France. A symbol of antiquated mathematical processes, this seemingly simple stack of slidable wooden beads can be used for subtraction, addit...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Trussel of Brighton Clock and Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Handpicked by buyers Ann-Morris, Inc.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Trussel of Brighton Clock and Barometer
Trussel of Brighton Clock and Barometer
$6,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French Carved Mahogany Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French wall barometer in a finely carved mahogany case with trailing fruit and vines surmounted by a lions mask, enamel dial with seven weather indicati...
Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

A pharmacy mushroom model: Morchella Vulgaris, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Morchella Vulgaris mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of typical form‚ the giltwood body centered by a circular barometer dial flanked by pillars ending in flame‚ above a thermometer flanked by foliate branches‚ surmounted by swags.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

A pharmacy mushroom model: Sarcoshypha Austriaca, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Sarcoscypha Austriaca mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Lithographic print on paper depicting the muscular system of a neck, France 1850
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical lithographic print on paper, depicting a cross section of the muscular system of the neck. Black lacquered fir wood frame with golden ramin wood batting...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

A pharmacy mushroom model: Amanita Virosa, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Amanita Virosa mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

English Antique George II Mahogany Stick Barometer by Polti of Exeter
By C. Polti
Located in Devon, GB
A rare George II period mahogany stick barometer with finely carved cistern cover and surround to partly conceal the mercury tube. Most unusually the signed register plate is made of...
Category

Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category

1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Linen

Mortar with Inscriptions. Bronze, Spain, 1823
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with inscriptions. Bronze. Spain, 1823. Con maza. Mortar made of bronze with an enlarged mouth and a cone shaped body developed without discontinuity and with a decreasing diameter to the base; It has two handles or "pieces" towards the smooth decorative moldings that it has on the upper part. The piece presents, almost on the edge, an inscription (I AM FROM D GREGORIO OCANA ANO DE 1823) in capital letters and a date in roman with spaces between them; and the text (the other way around) “Mazon fecci”; both flanked by a simple molding above and another below. This large-sized mortar is of the type that is usually known as "hospital" because it is usually used for medicines in environments with many patients or in important apothecaries. Typologically, it follows the usual line in these examples of the Spanish school during the 19th century: smooth, with moldings and, as a general rule, without those ribs (or derivatives thereof) that used to appear in the previous ones. Compare, for example, with the large pharmacy mortar in the Municipal Museum-Archive of Calella (with inscription, ribs and human heads as handles), a large pestle...
Category

1820s Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol Superb Large Brass and Iron Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cas...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage American Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Free-standing vintage magnifying glass. American, circa 20th century. Curving articulated arm on pebbled black base.
Category

20th Century Scientific Instruments

Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Figurative brass Butcher’s weighbridge. Weighs up to 44 pounds. Complete of main “ Romano” principal weight and additionals “Romanos” for detailed weight. Pedimont and Sardinia King...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Austrian Vintage Barometer in Heart Shape by Wippel & co
Located in Vienna, AT
rare austrian vintage barometer in heart shape by Wippel & co, rosewood, good original condition
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Anatomical model of the lower limb, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, didactic use, depicting the lower limb, tilting on a fork supported by a black lacquered wooden base. Made in scagliola and finished entirely in colour....
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Scagliola, Wood

Late 18th Century Silver Dutch Perpetual Calender
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A rare late 18th-early 19th century silver Dutch perpetual calendar.
Category

Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

A bleeding set signed Blackwell, England 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
Travelling mahogany case set for bleeding, brass apparatuses for bleeding and glass cups. Signed Blackwell London, 1850 ca.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Physics Teaching Wheel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These educational wheels, with copper and black painted surfaces, were used by Physics teachers in the late 19th century. Please note we have two of these wheels available. One i...
Category

19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Brass

Beautiful Glass Apothecary Jar - price per piece
Located in Brussels, BE
Cut-glass top and blown glass jar beautiful quality. Multiple available
Category

20th Century European Scientific Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass, Cut Glass

Botanic Model of Inflorescence, Flower Head, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Simple Flower Head, made with hand-painte...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

19th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary's Container
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary's Container
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

19th Century Irish Giltwood Barometer in the Baroque Style
Located in Dublin, IE
A fascinating Irish giltwood barometer in the baroque style. The large stick barometer features a large carved giltwood frame with a shell motif. The dial having the original twin Ve...
Category

19th Century Irish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Tunbridge Wells Ruler, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The ruler with differing scales on each side.
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Lapis Lazuli Table Clock and Barometer
Located in London, GB
The body of this fine table clock and barometer is veneered in lapis lazuli and supported by a hinged arm to the reverse. The clock and barometer d...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Belle Époque Scientific Instruments

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Antique Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights
Located in New Orleans, LA
19th Century Victorian Era Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights.
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French Metal Scale is an authentic piece of history, encapsulating the essence of antique utilitarian craftsmanship. With its cast iron base and twin pans darkened ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments

Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.

The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.

With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.

If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?

Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.

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